Stay informed
Whether it is for political, economic or social news or even about controversial stories, it is important to stay updated on what is happening in your native country. This is done through local media. You can use TV (there are systems and platforms that allow you to watch programs from your country without any geographical restrictions), radio stations from your country of origin that you can easily listen to in replay, or news via newspapers, online, or in paper version. Did you know that many newspapers and magazines offer international delivery? Keeping up with your favorite newspaper every month is also a great way to stay connected to your country.
Immerse yourself in your native popular culture
In addition to the news, staying close to your country also means keeping in touch with what makes up its culture on a daily basis. If you don't want to be out of sync when you go back to your native country for your vacation, immerse yourself in its culture. But how do you do that when you live thousands of miles away, sometimes even in a different time zone? Search on Netflix for the latest news from your country, and don't hesitate to watch the news about popular artists from your country as well. You will probably find shows to watch on replay or their new releases on Youtube. With the pandemic, more and more museums, cinemas and other cultural venues are offering online versions of their programming. This can be a good alternative for those who live abroad.
Read in your own language
When it comes down to culture, reading is an essential part. It will help you keep absorbing your native culture through stories being told in your country. Cultural references will surely resonate with you, and so will the writings of a compatriot. Therefore, there are many opportunities to stay in touch with what makes your native culture so special. Don't hesitate to order books by authors from your native country. And here's a practical tip: consider getting an e-reader to be able to buy e-books directly from the country of your choice. This comes out very handy when you want to read in your own language without waiting for weeks for a book to reach you. Then, why not organize book clubs about compatriot authors or stories that take place in your native country and introduce them to your new neighbors?
Recreate a community with your country's nationals
Ask around at local international associations or look up on social networks. There is surely a community of compatriots. Integrating this community is also a good way to stay close to your culture, practice your language, talk about the cultural differences of your new life, and stay in touch with your native country.
Celebrate folk traditions and festivals
Whether it is within a community of compatriots, with your family, or even solo, keep track of your popular traditions, important holidays, small rites, or popular dishes. Then celebrate the important events of your native country's calendar. Remember to celebrate Christmas as you would at home, to cook the typical dish of a particular holiday, and to mark the national holiday of your country.
Take part in your home country's politics
Just because you no longer live in your country of origin does not mean you no longer have any rights, especially the right to get involved in its political life. To stay connected and participate in the political evolution of your country of origin, consider registering on the consular electoral lists and voting in the presidential and legislative elections. You can give a helping hand during these elections, help mobilize to vote, and help organize the elections on polling day.
Share your native culture with your new neighbors
Another way to stay close to your culture is to share it around you in your new country. This is a good way to introduce it to your new community and, for you, to relive moments and traditions that are dear to your heart. Why not get in touch with a group of people who speak or wish to speak your language; there might be more than you think. And why not invite your community on the day of an important holiday in your country to share the routine of this special day, its specialties and have them learn more about your culture.
Stay in touch with your relatives
Staying in touch with the culture of your country also implies staying in touch with your family and friends. This entourage will give you the desire and the opportunity to talk more about your own culture, stay connected to its current events, and keep it alive. There are many ways to do this easily and to meet regularly by video calls.
Speak your native language every day
Finally, the best way to stay close to your language but also to the cultural expressions and all that a language represents of a popular culture is to practice it regularly. At home, in associations or by giving courses, practice your native language as much as possible to preserve your culture.
A few decades ago, staying connected to one's home country could only be done by regular return trips (which was, therefore, quite rare), and it was then difficult to preserve the ties. Fortunately, today, technology offers an infinite number of options to preserve and maintain your native culture even when you're miles away from it.
